Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Gainesville, GA: $64.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Gainesville, GA runs $64.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $134,809 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Gainesville's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.62 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,888 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gainesville, Georgia, the air traffic controller hourly pay is projected at $64.81 in 2026, which falls below the national hourly median of $73.02. This hourly rate provides part-time workers, especially those operating three days a week, an opportunity to earn a substantial income while appreciating a flexible schedule. Per-diem roles often found in FAA Academy classrooms or traffic management cells can further enhance financial prospects, as air traffic controllers can command competitive rates in various environments, including radar facilities and control towers. For new entrants, the hourly range begins at approximately $37.59, while experienced professionals can achieve rates as high as $91.06 per hour, reflecting a clear growth trajectory within the field and the significant value placed on controller expertise.
About the Gainesville Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.59 | $300.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.75 | $374.01 |
| Median (P50) | $64.81 | $518.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82.96 | $663.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91.06 | $728.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gainesville
Based on $64.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.81/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gainesville, GA can expect to earn approximately $134,813 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,777. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gainesville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gainesville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,592.56 | $11,234 | $134,813 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,555.54 | $6,741 | $80,888 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,037.02 | $4,494 | $53,925 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Gainesville) | $64.81 |
| Airline Pilot / Copilot (National Avg) | $107.68 |
| Aerospace Engineer (National Avg) | $63.06 |
| Avionics Technician (National Avg) | $34.67 |
| Flight Attendant (National Avg) | $33.75 |
Air Traffic Controllers in Gainesville, GA earn a median of $134,809 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.24% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.70% below the Georgia state average of $141,457.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.81/hr = $80,888/year (purchasing power: $86,883).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $134,813/year (purchasing power: $144,805).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Gainesville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $55.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $60.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Gainesville grew 20.4% from $52.48/hr (2019) to $63.19/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.48/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem air traffic controllers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gainesville metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.57% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Air Traffic Controller in Gainesville
Considering the earning potential of air traffic controllers in Gainesville, part-time employees working 24 hours a week might take home around $80,784 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts who can earn substantially more with additional hours. Overtime plays a meaningful role in this profession, allowing some controllers to earn $50,000 to $100,000 beyond their base salary, especially when working in understaffed facilities. Controllers at en route centers and terminal control facilities in the area often see varied hourly rates depending on their employer type, highlighting a choice between a higher hourly rate without benefits versus a lower rate with health insurance offerings. Those engaged in per diem roles should also be aware of their negotiating leverage during facility transfers. All factors contribute to a competitive yet nuanced compensation environment in Gainesville, making informed decisions essential for success in this challenging career.
More salary data for Gainesville, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Gainesville in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Gainesville?
Are air traffic controllers in Gainesville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Gainesville?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Gainesville?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Georgia
Written by Jordan Lee, ATO
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience as an air traffic controller. He specializes in terminal area control at a major airport.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for air traffic controllers in Gainesville. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Gainesville is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.57%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for air traffic controllers (SOC 53-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov